Cape Town - The City will spend R36m over the next two years on making its CBD’s 72 intersections safer, easier and quicker for pedestrians, wheelchair-bound people and those with other disabilities to cross.
This according to mayoral committee member for transport Brett Herron, who discussed the project while inspecting it on the corner of Dorp and Loop streets on Tuesday.
Called bump-outs, the project entails a small part of the pavement being extended to jut out almost a metre into the road – lessening the distance a pedestrian has to walk or ride a wheelchair to cross the road.
“These bump-outs are literally an extension or widening of the existing sidewalks,” Herron said, “providing pedestrians with much-improved sight of oncoming traffic, while providing motorists with a better view of pedestrians waiting to cross the road.
“It’s less risky for pedestrians because they are elevated and protrude into the road. Basically, its a project to improve pedestrian safety and mobility in the city.”
DIPPED KERBS
The bump-outs’ dipped kerbs would also be less steep, making it easier for wheelchair users to get on and off the pavement.
The project started in May and will be completed in 2017.
Bump-outs will be constructed in the CBD area around Hans Strydom Avenue in the north, Union Street in the south, Buitengracht Street in the west, and Roeland Street in the east.
Herron said the bump-outs’ surfaces would be finished with asphalt, brick paving or concrete to match the adjacent surfaces.
Where needed, traffic light poles, signage and other street furniture will be relocated once the bump-out has been paved with the applicable material. Work is conducted at three intersections at a time, with an intersection taking between 15 and 25 days to complete.
“This project, once completed, will allow more Capetonians - pedestrians and motorists - to move safely around the City Bowl area, and that it will make pavements and crossings more accessible to people with limited mobility.”
Cape Times